Ecology Of Ecosystem Processes 3

Question 1

Which term describes the process by which water moves from the soil through a plant and evaporates from its leaves?

Accepted Answer

Transpiration

Answer

Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plant leaf surfaces, and together with soil evaporation forms evapotranspiration.

Question 2

In a food web, which group is responsible for the bulk of decomposition of dead organic matter?

Accepted Answer

Detritivores and decomposers

Answer

Detritivores (e.g., millipedes, earthworms) fragment dead matter while decomposers (bacteria, fungi) chemically break it down.

Question 3

Which ecosystem process is directly responsible for moving carbon from the atmosphere into living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Photosynthesis captures atmospheric CO₂ and fixes it into organic compounds, making it the primary entry point for carbon into the biotic world.

Question 4

What ecological term describes the ratio of net primary productivity to gross primary productivity?

Accepted Answer

Production efficiency

Answer

Production efficiency (NPP/GPP) indicates what fraction of energy fixed by photosynthesis remains after autotrophic respiration.

Question 5

What is 'eutrophication' in aquatic ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Nutrient enrichment leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion

Answer

Eutrophication occurs when excess nutrients (often nitrogen and phosphorus) cause rapid algal growth, which upon decomposition depletes dissolved oxygen.

Ecology Practice Test

Ecology Practice Test

Ecology Of Ecosystem Processes 3